Container cartage firm Reliance Transport is operating what it says is New Zealand’s only all-electric reach stacker, and it has plans for more to come.
The business operates four reach stackers in total for handling cargo containers, with every such device in the country diesel-powered until now.
Reliance, based in Wiri, South Auckland, plans to become carbon free by 2030. The family-run company has been operating for more than 60 years and reducing fuel costs and its carbon footprint is a focus for the next 60 years, director Mark Darrah says.
“We’re very aware we operate in a mixed-use urban area of Onehunga so we think that comes with a responsibility to see where we can reduce both our noise and air pollution,” he explains.
Darrah says Reliance Transport is in the second stage of Project Switch – its carbon zero journey – with more major announcements to come.
Portstar Machinery’s Ian Magee, importer of the Sany electric reach stacker, says the machines can make a significant impact on a business.
“An average diesel reach stacker can burn through nearly 20 litres of fuel an hour with many of them operating up to 100 hours per week,” he says.
“So when you multiply that by a lifespan of up to 10 years you can really see the benefit of these electric models to a business’ bottom line and footprint.”
Reliance Transport was also the first company in the country to operate electric Scania trucks as part of its Project Switch initiative.
